Roseanne Page, a first-year student in computer programing and Catherine Arbour, a first-year student in professional writing, are seated at a round table in the Spiritual Centre in the Student Commons with needles and balls of yarn. They are doing an activity that requires minimal effort but repetitive motions.
The activity is known as knitting.
Knit ’ n ’ Knatter is a knitting club in its third year that offers students a safe place to learn how to knit and not be bothered by anything else.
Knitting is no longer an activity exclusive to elders; students are taking it up as well to improve their well-being. “The way the club is set up-you can just sit there, knit, socialize and pretend the whole world is at peace,” said Arbour.
Page, making a hat for her mother, believes that making a scarf, instead of purchasing one, is more satisfying.
“Sure it’s easier to buy one, but you don’t have the sentimental attachment or pride of making it yourself,” she said.
Shelley Nielson, the Spiritual Centre co-ordinator, has been knitting for 50 years and believes that knitting is artwork,
“There is a lot of reward in creating something yourself and playing with color and design,” she said.
Nielson acknowledged that knitting can be complicated, in the beginning but it becomes a stress reliever afterwards.
“It looks like a lot of work but once you figure out what you’re doing. It becomes something that’s really calming, relaxing and soothing,” she said.
Two factors are driving students to take up knitting, according to Neilson: students want to master a new skill and they want to relieve stress.
“A lot of people who come have never knit before,” she said. “The relaxation. When you walk in the Spiritual Centre, depending on the time and day, it’s very calming. You’ re away from everybody and you’re doing something quiet with other people.”
The Knit ’n’ Knatter’s participants meet every Thursday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.